Tamu Tamu Refreshments
If you liked the Dole Whip pineapple float in the Magic Kingdom, stop here for another, or upgrade to the Pineapple Crisp Sundae.
35 Best Restaurants in Walt Disney World Orlando, Florida
The dining scene in Orlando was at one time epitomized by a plethora of fast-food fare, but there's been such an explosion of artisanal and locally sourced restaurants over the past five years that there are now seven local chefs and nine international celebrity chefs with James Beard Award nominations around the city. Some of the best restaurants in town can be found in resort hotels and theme-park complexes such as Disney Springs, but if you have the time, explore the local treasures beyond the resorts.
The signs of Orlando's dining progress is most evident in the last place one would look: Disney's fast-food outlets. Every eatery on Disney property offers a tempting vegetarian option, and kiddie meals come with healthful sides and drinks unless you specifically request otherwise. Chefs at Disney’s table-service restaurants consult face-to-face with guests about food allergies.
Around town, locals flock to the Ravenous Pig, the Rusty Spoon, Artisan's Table, and other gastropubs where the menu changes regularly; Luma on Park, a suave home of thoughtfully created cutting-edge meals; and any number of dining establishments competing to serve the very finest steak. Orlando's culinary blossoming began in 1995, when Disney's signature California Grill debuted, featuring farm-to-table cuisine and wonderful wines by the glass. Soon after, celebrity chefs started opening up shop. And in 2013, Disney completely revamped California Grill so it's a trendsetter once again.
Orlando's destination restaurants can be found in the theme parks, as well as in the outlying towns. Sand Lake Road is now known as Restaurant Row for its eclectic collection of worthwhile tables. Here you'll find fashionable outlets for sushi and seafood, Italian and chops, Hawaiian fusion and upscale Lebanese. Heading into the residential areas, the neighborhoods of Winter Park (actually its own city), Thornton Park, and Downtown Orlando are prime locales for chow. Scattered throughout Central Florida, low-key ethnic restaurants specialize in the fare of Turkey, India, Peru, Thailand, Vietnam—you name it. Prices in these family-owned finds are usually delightfully low.
Thirsty River Bar
If Expedition Everest isn't for you—or if you need something to help you relax before boarding or calm down after riding—head here for specialty margaritas and unusual beers such as the Safari Amber or Tampa Bay Old Elephant Foot IPA. If you can get a seat at the bar, this is a great place to people-watch for a bit.
Westward Ho
This cart is ready for hungry trailblazers, who stop in to enjoy jalapeño poppers or corn-dog nuggets, complete with a fresh-off-the-trail frozen lemonade. And what hungry cowboy doesn't want candied bacon on a skewer? This cart also offers breakfast. If you've entered the park, and the lines at the Main Street Bakery are halfway down Main Street, keep moving, and stop here. Grab a breakfast sandwich to eat while in line for Big Thunder or Tiana's Bayou Adventure.
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Woody's Lunch Box
A lunch box meal never tasted so good! The turkey sandwich comes with tomato-basil soup, and the BBQ Brisket Melt has a deliciously tangy sauce, but the grilled three-cheese sandwich is so popular that Disney has actually shared the recipe on its website. Splurge on the adorable alien slipper cup for your drink. If you find yourself deep in the park without breakfast, this is a great place to stop by for a breakfast bowl power-up.
Zuri's Sweets Shop
Within this shop, hidden in the back of the Africa section, you'll find enough to satisfy any sweet tooth. A constantly changing selection of candied apples, Mickey-theme cookies, and cupcakes can be found in abundance. Order in advance on the Disney app to avoid long lines.
